Legislators Split On Start Of Farmers Market Panel

April 10, 1985|By Carl Hulse, Tallahassee Bureau

TALLAHASSEE — Broward County legislators are split on whether to push ahead this session with proposed legislation to create an authority to oversee improvements and expansion of the Pompano Beach Farmers Market.

Saying it is too late to return to Broward County for a required public hearing on the plan, some delegation members said Tuesday the market project should wait for next year.

But Sen. Peter Weinstein, D-Coral Springs, convinced his colleagues to wait one week before tabling the proposal while he and others see if the idea will fly with the state Department of Agriculture.

``The last thing on earth we want to do is go ahead with something that won`t be successful or put off something that will be successful,`` Weinstein said.

Under the proposal, the authority would be formed to buy land adjacent to the market off Hammondville Road. The additional property would be used to develop access off Atlantic Boulevard and expand the market operations to include wholesale and retail produce sales.

Backers of the plan, who envision it as a way to revitalize South Florida`s agriculture community, have estimated it would cost about $10 million.

``The bill, I believe, is timely this year,`` said Rep. Bob Shelley, R- Pompano Beach. ``I was hoping we could work through the delegation to create a South Florida food center.``

Though supportive of the plan, other lawmakers said the proposal surfaced too late to get the kind of attention and scrutiny needed to ensure an acceptable local bill.

``This thing is coming to us at the last minute with nothing,`` complained Sen. Tom McPherson, D-Fort Lauderdale.

``I don`t see why it can`t be held off until next year,`` agreed Rep. Anne Mackenzie, D-Fort Lauderdale.

Delegation Chairman Rep. Bill Clark, D-Lauderdale Lakes, who also was reluctant to press the issue this session, concurred with Weinstein`s proposal to determine the prospects for the bill and make a decision on its fate on April 18.